1. Avoid the “priming” effect. You should start drugs, which were previously effective, early in the season before pollen peaks. This should be before we start seeing pollen in trees throughout the country in February, and possibly January for southern states like Florida. We are mainly referring to antihistamines, ideally not the ones that make you drowsy. We also recommend the frequent use of saline nasal sprays to avoid the accumulation of pollen in the nasal passages.

2. Use goggles or glasses for those suffering from allergic eye symptoms. Similarly, a mask is recommended if you plan to pick up the fallen leaves, mow the lawn, or do any kind of yard work under the trees at the start and during the season.

3. Close the windows, change the air conditioner filter frequently, and it is also recommended to use a high efficiency filter. Drive with your car windows closed and use the ac to recirculate the air you breathe while driving.

4. Consider seeing an allergist for a proper evaluation of your symptoms because not all symptoms are triggered by the spring season. Early treatment helps prevent suffering during this time of year.

5. If you are allergic try to avoid activities or sports outdoors in the spring. If you can’t avoid outdoor activities then try to avoid peak times when the pollen count is higher. This happens between 5am and 10am usually, so try to play sports in the afternoon to avoid discomfort.

6. Hot, dry days will have a greater amount of pollen in the environment than cold, rainy days. Consider this when making outdoor plans.

7. Once you know what you are allergic to, stay informed of the daily pollen report in your area. Pollen and mold reports are often provided by weather centers as well as certain specialists in your area. FCAAC provides this report daily on our website for the convenience of our patients. Note that the type of pollen varies depending on the vegetation in each geographic region.

8. Change clothes once you get home from an outing because pollen sticks to fabric. You can spread pollen spores all throughout your home without even knowing it.

9. Do not dry your clothes outside on the patio because pollen can get stuck to it. Ideally, always use a dryer or let the clothes dry indoors.

*Bonus:  Take daily night baths if you spend time outdoors (even if you have already bathed that same morning), as this removes the pollen that has saturated your face or body.

Remember to seek help from an allergist (doctors who specialize in all types of allergies and immune system disorders) if you suspect to be suffering from allergic symptoms.

Controlling Animal Dander

Contrary to popular belief, people are not allergic to an animal’s hair, but rather, to a protein found in the saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) or urine of an animal with fur. These proteins are carried in the air on very small, invisible particles, which can land on the lining of the eyes or nose, or be inhaled directly into the lungs.

A cat or dog produces a certain amount of allergen per week, and this amount can vary from animal to animal. All breeds are capable of triggering symptoms—there are no “hypoallergenic” breeds of cats or dogs.  However, it is now known that non-neutered male cats and dogs may be more allergenic than females.

If you cannot avoid exposure to the animal that causes your allergy symptoms, try to minimize contact. Most importantly, keep the pet out of the bedroom and other rooms in which those with allergies spend a great deal of time. Some studies have demonstrated that bathing dogs or cats on a weekly basis may reduce the amount of allergens that are shed in the home. This issue remains controversial. If you plan to wash your pet regularly, consult with your veterinarian regarding care of the animal’s skin to prevent excessive dryness. Also, have a non-allergic family member brush the pet outside to remove loose hair and allergens. While dander and saliva are the source of cat and dog allergens, urine is the source of allergens from rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs; ask a non-allergic family member to clean the animal’s cage.

Animal allergens can accumulate on all horizontal and even vertical surfaces in the home. Mattresses and cushions should be covered in zippered, plastic casings to prevent the release of allergens. Vacuuming is not effective in decreasing animal allergens, because it does not clean the lower levels of the rug. In fact, it can stir up small allergen particles, which can also move right through the vacuum. Using a HEPA vacuum filter or double bags may help. As with dust mites, the best solution is to have a hardwood floor, tile or linoleum. Replace bedding and carpeting that has animal dander in it. It can take weeks or months for fabrics to come clean of allergens, and animal allergens may persist for a year or more after the animal has been removed. The most recent research shows that making just one or two changes may not be enough. Multiple environmental changes are required before one can see significant improvement.

When the Pet “Says” and Environmental Changes are Not Enough

Allergen immunotherapy (subcutaneous allergy immunotherapy which may be referred to as SCIT), also known as “allergy shots,” are recommended for persons who don’t respond well to treatment with medications, experience side effects from medications, who have allergen exposure that is unavoidable, or desire a more permanent solution to their allergic problem. Immunotherapy can be very effective in controlling allergic symptoms. Allergen immunotherapy may help prevent the development of sensitivity to new allergens and decrease the risk for developing asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis Immunotherapy is not indicated for patients with pure non-allergic rhinitis. Allergy injections can be very effective in helping to control symptoms caused by exposure to cat and dog dander.

Kim Kardashian is allergic to cats: by now we all know why she chose to visit Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care. Dr. Dana Wallace will explain below what happens when you are allergic to a furry pet and why allergy shots work.  She will guide you through a few tips, misconceptions and reasons why it is always best to follow the advice of an allergist.

Prevalence of Animal Dander Allergy

Animal dander may now be the most common year-round allergen. In the US, 62% of households now have an indoor pet, with 40% having at least one dog and 33% having at least one cat. Furthermore small, suspended, animal allergens may be found in 90% of all homes and in most public indoor areas, e.g., schools and work environments. Patients with severe allergies to animal dander can even experience reactions in public places if dander has been transported on pet owners’ clothing.

Contact with Animals During Infancy

The effects of early life domestic pet exposure and subsequent clinical allergy remain controversial. While some studies suggest that having pets in the home when the child is born reduces the future development of pet allergy, many studies show exactly the opposite. It seems that many factors (e.g. allergies in the parents, number of pets in the community, urban vs. rural setting, number of pets, number of siblings, etc.) may affect this tendency to become allergic. The bottom line is that we just don’t know what will happen, but given an allergic family history we would not recommend getting a pet in hopes that this would prevent future allergies from developing.

Symptoms

Typical signs of animal allergy can include sneezing, an itchy, runny nose, and itchy, swollen eyes and throat. Itching of the skin or a raised, red rash (hives) can also result from touching an animal to which you are allergic. Usually, symptoms will occur quickly, sometimes within minutes after exposure to the animal. For some people, symptoms may build and become most severe 8 to 12 hours after they have had contact with the animal.

How to Fight the Symptoms

The most effective way to combat symptoms of animal allergy is to remove the pet from the home and avoid any contact. Keeping an animal outdoors is only a partial solution, since homes with pets in the yard still have higher concentrations of animal allergens. Before you get a pet, spend time with someone else’s dog or cat to determine if you’re allergic. If you already have an animal to which you or a family member is allergic, try to place it with a caring, non-allergic friend or relative. Although this separation can be difficult, it is best for the health of you or your allergic family member. You may also consider getting a pet such as a turtle, hermit crab, fish, snake, or other animals without fur or feathers.

What if you can’t part ways with your furry friend? Stay tuned for next post and read what Dr. Dana Wallace is suggesting …

February 20, 2013 – It’s easy keeping up with Kim Kardashian these days, because everything she does airs on her E! Reality Shows. On Monday night’s episode of Kim & Kourtney Take Miami, the reality star found out she was allergic to cats. Dr. Philip Mirmelli, of Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care, conducted her allergy tests and made the discovery.

Here’s a link to the clip: http://youtu.be/PVKenG0oPgM.

“This has been a very active allergy and flu season. As many patients’ allergies are triggered following an infection, our office has seen an increased number of allergy sufferers,” said Dr. Mirmelli.

Kardashian braved the allergen “pricks” to find out what was making her sniffle. With the early arrival of Spring Allergy season in full effect, this is the perfect time to tackle those allergies.

About Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care

Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care has been in business since 1974 and has board certified physicians with extensive experience in treating both adults and children. FCAAC has 18 centers throughout South Florida, serving communities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Centers specialize in the testing and treatment of adults and children who suffer from allergies, asthma and other disorders of the immune system. Among the most common allergies treated are allergic skin diseases, food, drug and pet allergies. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care Research conducts clinical trials on new medications. The goal of the FCAAC team is to provide professional and quality care resulting in total patient satisfaction.

Editor’s Note: If you would be interested in a story or interviewing one of the doctors, including Dr. Mirmelli, please let us know.

During this visit she finds out she is in fact allergic to cats which saddens her since Mercy, her teacup Persian kitten, was a gift from boyfriend Kanye West. Kim’s friend Jonathan Cheban comes along for her FCAAC visit…watch how he keeps Kim calm through humor.